Why is JCB using hydrogen?
To reach net-zero targets for construction equipment, JCB need to use alternative fuels to fossil fuels. While bio-based fuels offer carbon reduction, they do not eliminate carbon emissions from the machine. There are many benefits of hydrogen fuel that make it a viable alternative to diesel – which is why we’ve invested £100 million in the JCB hydrogen project.
Find out more of the benefits below.
There are many benefits of hydrogen fuel that make it a viable alternative to diesel – which is why we’ve invested £100 million in the JCB hydrogen project. These include:
- Hydrogen’s unique combustion properties mean it delivers the same power, torque and efficiency that already fuels JCB machines, but in a zero-carbon way.
- It makes use of a readily available resource: hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.
- It’s an affordable, cost-effective option that doesn’t rely on the precious metals needed for electric machines.
- A hydrogen engine benefits people in that it works in a very similar way to the current combustion engine – giving users confidence because they know how to work the technology.
- As the hydrogen engine is so similar in design, it also has the potential to be mass produced using the same supply chains and factories – making a hydrogen economy very achievable.
So why use hydrogen as fuel? As JCB Chairman Lord Bamford best puts it: